The Blood Valley - (The Blazing Fires Book 1)

Chapter 3

"Let all cats able to climb the cliffs, gather around the Cliff Rock for a clan meeting," Cherrystar called, keeping her gaze on her fluffy ginger tail as her green eyes gazed down at the gathered clan. "Two kits have reached the age of six moons." Cherrystar's eyes flew down towards Violetkit and Flamekit. "Violetkit, Flamekit, step forth."

Violetkit took a step forward, nearly tumbling forward.  Flamekit stood slightly behind her, his head tilted downwards. "Violetkit, Flamekit, until you receive your warrior names, you shall be known as Violetpaw and Flamepaw." Cherrystar scanned the warriors below.

"Violetpaw, your mentor shall be Lionclaw," Lionclaw stood proud, his almost black spots ruffled in his dark grey fur. "Lionclaw, you have received excellent training from Oakeyes, and I believe you are ready for another apprentice," The leader briefly paused. "Flamepaw, your mentor shall be Pebblestorm. Pebblestorm, you have received excellent training from Flowerclaw, and I believe you are ready for another apprentice," The clan cheered. Breezelily's and Brownspot's cheers and yowls almost muted out the rest of the clan.

"And we have two apprentices ready to be warriors. Bluepaw, Mosspaw, step forth." The two brothers tumbled forward. "Bluepaw, Mosspaw, you have both trained hard to become a warrior. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?" They both nodded, almost in sync.

"From this day forward, Bluepaw, you shall be known as Blueheart, for your kindness and loyalty. Mosspaw you shall be known as Mossgaze, for your cleverness and keen eyesight." The clan erupted in cheers once again. "They shall sit vigil tonight."

Cherrystar's blind eye started to twitch, then she dismissed the clan. Another apprentice ran up to Violetpaw. 

"Hey, Violetpaw!" Her lips curled into a smile.

"Hello, Frostpaw." Violetpaw greeted back. Frostpaw and Loudpaw were apprenticed three before. Brownspot was training Frostpaw, and Nightchaser got to train Loudpaw as her first apprentice.

"I'll make up for the training time we lost by making the upcoming moons the best moons ever!" Frostpaw made a purr. "But, I might have to take it easy on you when we spar,"

"Hey, maybe you won't. What if I'm a natural?" She let out a playful tone.

"Violetpaw," Lionclaw called, his loud voice slightly ruffling the ferns. Violetpaw would bound over to him, her paws twitching. "I want you to take Frostpaw and Loudpaw with you to explore the territory. I would myself, but I have a border patrol, and you're not ready for that yet,"

Violetpaw nodded as she padded over to the apprentices.
"Need something, Violetpaw?" Frostpaw turned towards her. 

"Lionclaw asked me to bring you guys to explore the forest," Violetpaw shuffled closer to them.

"Alright." Loudpaw glanced at the sky. "If you want to see most of the forest, we'll have to set out now." Loudpaw was already trotting towards the tunnel.

The memory of the fox made her claws itch as she squeezed into the tunnel. The scents of the forest filled her nose. It was greenleaf, so the smell of prey was everywhere. The tangy smell of moss floated in the air. They were in the middle of a valley, with a clear path to the forest. A small, thin stream ripped through the valley. 

  "This is the valley." Loudpaw nudged Violetpaw forward. "The stream is where we drink, the rocks are where we get are moss, and on top of the valley is where we go if we want to die, since there are coyotes up there," A slight growl rumbled in Loudpaw's voice.

"Take it easy, Loudpaw." Frostpaw stepped closer to her littermate. "I'm sorry. Ever since, you know what, he hasn't been the same." She quietly apologized. Frostpaw licked her brother's head, and it seemed to calm him down. Violetpaw walked close to Loudpaw.